7 Beautiful hummingbirds in Maryland [Pictures + IDs]

Maryland is home to a diverse range of bird species, including several types of hummingbirds. These small and colorful birds are known for their remarkable flying abilities and are a favorite of birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of hummingbirds found in Maryland, their habitats, behaviors, and conservation status.

From the common and vibrant Ruby-throated Hummingbird to the rare and elusive Rufous Hummingbird, we’ll explore the fascinating world of these tiny creatures and their roles in Maryland’s ecosystems. We’ll also provide tips on how to spot and identify hummingbirds in the wild, as well as resources for further reading and exploration.

Whether you’re an experienced birdwatcher, a nature lover, or simply curious about the wildlife in your area, we invite you to join us on a journey to discover the amazing hummingbirds of Maryland.

7 Types of Hummingbirds in Maryland

1. Black-Chinned Hummingbird
2. Ruby Throated Hummingbird
3. Allen’s Hummingbird
4. Anna’s Hummingbird
5. Calliope Hummingbird
6. Rufous Hummingbird
7. Mexican Violetear

Calliope Hummingbird

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• Scientific name: Selasphorus calliope
• Lifespan: 3 to 5 years in the wild
• Weight: 2 to 2.5 grams
• Size: 7 to 8 cm (2.8 to 3.1 inches) in length, with a wingspan of 11 cm (4.3 inches)
• Origin: Found in western North America, from southern Canada to Mexico

The Calliope Hummingbird, the tiniest bird in America with the size of a ping pong ball, travels more than 5000 miles annually from Mexico to Canada and back. Moreover, they fight valiantly to protect their territory and even pursue Red-tailed Hawks.

Male Calliope Hummingbirds have shiny green backs and sides, brilliant magenta throats (known as the gorget), and black tails. The underside of females is more pinkish-white than white, unlike that of males, who have iridescent throats.

They migrate in spring from the Pacific Coast to breeding grounds in California, Colorado, and up to northern states and Canada, They migrate pretty early and arrive between the middle of April and the beginning of May.

Their nests are often found on evergreen trees and may be reused or built over an older nest.

Rufous Hummingbird

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• Scientific name: Selasphorus rufus
• Lifespan: 3 to 5 years in the wild
• Weight: 2.7 to 4.3 grams
• Size: 7 to 9 cm (2.8 to 3.5 inches) in length, with a wingspan of 11 cm (4.3 inches)
• Origin: Found in western North America, from Alaska to Mexico

Rufous Hummingbirds are bright orange on the back and belly, have a white patch below the neck, and have an iridescent red throat. The females have a pale belly and a back that is greenish-brown and rusty in color.

As compared to their size, rufous hummingbirds have one of the longest migration routes, covering up to 4000 kilometers on each trip. They move south to Mexico and the Gulf Coast to spend the winter after breeding in northwest Alaska.

In the spring, they go north along the Pacific Coast, and in the late summer and autumn, they pass past the Rocky Mountains.

The main sources of food for rufous hummingbirds are nectar from vibrant tubular flowers and insects including gnats, midges, and flies. As they climb higher into the trees, they utilize spider webs and soft plant down to bind their nest together. They deposit one or two tiny, white, 0.5-inch (1.3-centimeter) eggs.

They are aggressive and will attack any hummingbird, even larger or resident during migration. They’re short-lived during migration and frequently hunt other hummingbirds. Mountain meadows and winter forests are their home.

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds

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• Scientific name: Archilochus colubris
• Lifespan: 3 to 5 years in the wild
• Weight: 2.5 to 4 grams
• Size: 7 to 9 cm (2.8 to 3.5 inches) in length, with a wingspan of 8 to 11 cm (3.1 to 4.3 inches)
• Origin: Found throughout eastern North America, from southern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, as well as in some parts of Central America during migration.

The male Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have an iridescent red throat, and both sexes have bright green throats and back with gray-white undersides. Female Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have white undersides, greenbacks, and brownish crowns and sides.

The only hummingbird species that breeds in eastern North America is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, which subsequently migrates farther south to Central America. Some travel across Texas along the coast or over the Gulf of Mexico. For breeding, they begin to arrive in the deep south in February and may not reach the northern states and Canada until May. They go south In September and August.

These little birds fly from one nectar source to another, catching insects in the air or on the webs of spiders. They will sometimes rest on a tiny branch, but because of their short legs, they can only shuffle along a perch and can’t walk.

The best locations to look for them outside in the summer are flowering gardens or forest margins. They are very widespread in urban areas, particularly around nectar feeders.

Male Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are aggressive in the protection of feeders and flowers. After mating, they do not stay around for very long and may migrate by early august.

Ruby-throated females make their nests on thin branches out of thistle or dandelion down that are bound together by spider silk. They lay 1-3 eggs that are only 0.6 inches in diameter (1.3 cm)

Black-chinned Hummingbird

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• Scientific name: Archilochus alexandri
• Lifespan: Up to 10 years in the wild
• Weight: 3 to 3.5 grams
• Size: 8.5 to 10.5 cm (3.3 to 4.1 inches) in length, with a wingspan of 11 to 13 cm (4.3 to 5.1 inches)
• Origin: Found in western North America, from the western United States to northern Mexico.

Black-chinned Hummingbirds have grayish-white undersides and dull metallic green backs. The females have a light neck and white tail feather tips, while the males have a black throat with a thin, iridescent purple base.

Black-chinned hummingbirds mostly breed inland in western states, and during the winter they travel to western Mexico and the Gulf Coast.

They eat nectar, tiny insects, and spiders. While consuming nectar, their tongues can lick 13–17 times per second.

Black-chinned Hummingbirds lay 2 white, tiny eggs that are barely 0.6 inches long in their nests, which are made of plant down and spider silk to keep them together (1.3 cm)

Black-chinned Hummingbirds often return to a favorite perch and are frequently seen perched at the tops of dead trees on small, bare limbs. They may be found among shaded oaks on the Gulf Coast or by canyons and rivers in the Southwest.

Broad-billed Hummingbird

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• Scientific name: Cynanthus latirostris
• Lifespan: 3 to 5 years in the wild
• Weight: 3 to 4 grams
• Size: 9 to 10 cm (3.5 to 3.9 inches) in length, with a wingspan of 12 cm (4.7 inches)
• Origin: Found in southwestern United States and Mexico

Broad-billed hummingbird has bright colors even among the hummingbirds. The males have a deep metallic green color throughout, and their blue throats reach down to their breasts. Females have light bellies and both males and females have red beaks that are black-tipped and broad toward their heads.

Broad-billed can be found in central Mexico and along the Pacific coast of Mexico throughout the year. Some birds spend the whole year close to the Mexican border, while others travel north to breed in mountain valleys in southern Arizona and New Mexico.

Broad-billed Hummingbirds prefer to forage in canyon streams and alpine meadows, although they will also visit garden feeders. They build their nests around streams at a relatively low height of about 3 feet.

Mexican Violetear

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• Scientific name: Colibri thalassinus
• Lifespan: Up to 8 years in the wild
• Weight: 6 to 7 grams
• Size: 9 to 10 cm (3.5 to 3.9 inches) in length, with a wingspan of 12 to 14 cm (4.7 to 5.5 inches)
• Origin: Found in montane forests of Mexico and Central America.

Mexico Violetears are medium-sized hummingbirds that have violet spots on the sides of their heads and breasts and are metallic green overall.

Mexican Violetears may be found as far south as the highlands of Bolivia and Venezuela. They breed in forests in Mexico, Central America, and Nicaragua. In particular in Central and Southern Texas, non-breeding Mexican Violetears have been seen to travel northward into the United States.

Allen’s Hummingbird

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• Scientific name: Selasphorus sasin
• Lifespan: 3 to 5 years in the wild
• Weight: 2.5 to 3.5 grams
• Size: 7 to 9 cm (2.8 to 3.5 inches) in length, with a wingspan of 11 cm (4.3 inches)
• Origin: Found in western North America, from Alaska to Mexico

It may be difficult to distinguish Allen’s Hummingbirds from Rufous Hummingbirds in the little area of coastal woodland and scrub between California and Oregon that they inhabit.

Male Allen’s Hummingbirds have orange bellies, tails, and eye patches along with iridescent reddish-orange throats. The females lack the brilliant throat color, but both sexes have long, straight bills and coppery-green backs.

The Allen’s Hummingbird’s small outer tail feathers are what set it apart from Rufous Hummingbirds. They may have up to three broods a year and build nests at no particular height along shaded streams.

Allen’s Hummingbirds move up to the Pacific Coast in California and Oregon as early as January and spend the winter in Mexico. Some continue to live in Los Angeles and central Mexico.

Conclusion

Maryland is a great place to observe hummingbirds. These small, vibrant birds are a joy to watch, with their unique behavior and bright colors adding to their charm. To attract hummingbirds to your yard in Maryland, consider planting native flowers, using a hummingbird feeder, and avoiding the use of pesticides. By creating a welcoming environment, you can witness the beauty and wonder of these amazing birds up close. Whether you’re an experienced birdwatcher or just starting to explore the world of hummingbirds, Maryland provides an excellent opportunity to observe these tiny, yet mighty, creatures in their natural habitat. So, next time you’re out exploring nature in Maryland, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for these fascinating and beautiful hummingbirds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: When do hummingbirds arrive in Maryland?

A: Hummingbirds typically arrive in Maryland in late March or early April and can be seen throughout the summer months. However, exact arrival dates can vary depending on migration routes and weather patterns.

Q: What species of hummingbirds can be found in Maryland?

A: The most common species of hummingbird found in Maryland is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. However, other species such as the Rufous Hummingbird and Black-chinned Hummingbird have been spotted in the state as well.

Q: How can I attract hummingbirds to my yard in Maryland?

A: Hummingbirds are attracted to brightly colored flowers, especially those with tubular shapes that allow them to easily feed on nectar. In Maryland, popular flowers for hummingbirds include bee balm, cardinal flower, and columbine. You can also hang hummingbird feeders filled with a mixture of water and sugar (4 parts water to 1 part sugar) to supplement their nectar intake.

Q: What is the best time of day to see hummingbirds in Maryland?

A: Hummingbirds are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours when temperatures are cooler and nectar sources are abundant. However, they can be seen throughout the day as they search for food.

Q: Do hummingbirds migrate through Maryland?

A: Yes, many species of hummingbirds migrate through Maryland on their way to and from their breeding grounds. Some birds migrate hundreds of kilometers from Central and South America to North America for summer nesting.

Q: How can I help protect hummingbirds in Maryland?

A: You can help protect hummingbirds by providing habitat with plenty of nectar-rich flowers, avoiding the use of pesticides and herbicides in your yard, and keeping your hummingbird feeders clean and free of mold. You can also support conservation efforts by donating to organizations that protect hummingbirds and their habitats.